Marshall Gets Coach’s Message

One game after sitting out because of his coach’s decision, defenseman Jason Marshall returned to the Duck lineup Wednesday against New Jersey.

Marshall was not upset about missing Monday’s 2-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. He realized it was a message from Coach Craig Hartsburg to play better.

“It’s something that happens during the year,” Marshall said of being scratched Monday. “I have to play better and work harder. I don’t think I’ve played as well as I can.”

Marshall was one of the Ducks’ most dependable defensemen last season, teaming with Kevin Haller to form the team’s top defense-minded pair. This season, Marshall hasn’t played the same hard-nosed, reliable game.

“It might help,” he said of sitting out. “I need to get a little more desperate. I need to refocus and get back to the things I should be doing.”

Marshall discounted the theory that his game has suffered because of knee injuries that have sidelined Haller.

“Getting to play with Kevin all of last year was awesome,” Marshall said. “It’s rare to play a whole season with one partner. [Haller’s absence] shouldn’t be an excuse.”